Archives for May 2023

No Problems with Inflamed Gums Until I Got Porcelain Veneers

Posted on May 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My gums have been inflamed since I got porcelain veneers in February. My hygienist and dentist showed me how to brush and floss with veneers, and I followed their instructions to the letter. I had my dental cleaning appointment in late March, and the dental assistant said I must be brushing too aggressively, so my gums are inflamed. Two weeks ago, I returned to the dentist for an exam, and she removed cement and some roughness behind my teeth. She didn’t seem too concerned, but my gums are still inflamed.

I am concerned that something is wrong. Last night I thought about the veneer placement process. I wonder if the irritation is because my dentist removed the temporary veneers that I wore for five weeks but didn’t have my teeth cleaned afterward. Do I need to see a periodontist if my dentist is so casual about my gum inflammation? – Thanks. Joslyn

Joslyn,

Like most patients who get cosmetic dentistry work, you have been diligent about your oral hygiene. It’s irritating when a healthcare professional accuses the patient of doing something wrong when a healthcare provider is at fault. Although Dr. Delaune would need to examine your teeth, gums, and veneers, we can explain the possible causes of your gum inflammation.

What Causes Gum Inflammation After Getting Porcelain Veneers?

Excess cement, irregular margins, porcelain veneer position, or ceramic sensitivities can cause gum inflammation after getting porcelain veneers. We will explain.

Excess cement

Red, inflamed gums after getting porcelain veneers

A case of gum inflammation around two lateral incisors with new porcelain veneers. See an expert cosmetic dentist if you experience gum irritation.

If you experience gum inflammation after getting porcelain veneers, it may be because your dentist left excess cement behind. Dentists who regularly place veneers cure the cement in the middle of a tooth and remove the excess while it is still soft. When excess cement lingers, it hardens and irritates gum tissue.

Irregular margins

Unevenness, where a veneer and tooth meet, can lead to gum irritation. You may need to see a periodontist after a second opinion from an expert cosmetic dentist. We recommend getting a second opinion first.

Porcelain veneer position

Veneers placed too far under your gumline can inflame the gingival attachment—connective fibers that hold gum tissue to your teeth.

Ceramic sensitivity

Ceramic sensitivities are rare, but you may be sensitive or allergic to the material in the porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic dentists with advanced training ensure gum tissue is healthy before and after treatment. We recommend scheduling a second opinion with an expert cosmetic dentist who regularly places porcelain veneers. Allow the dentist to examine your veneers and gums and explain the next steps. Avoid mentioning your current dentist’s name or any diagnosis you got from the office to get an unbiased opinion.

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.

Will a Porcelain Veneer Tooth with a Cavity Need a Crown Instead?

Posted on May 26, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Is replacing a porcelain veneer with a dental crown necessary if I have a cavity in the tooth? My dentist found a cavity on my top left incisor during my dental cleaning and exam last week. I have veneers on my 8 front teeth and prefer not to have a veneer replaced with a crown. Isn’t this aggressive? How could a crown match the veneers? Thank you. Jillian from White Plains, NY

Jillian,

We wish we had your dental records and knew more about your case. We recommend getting a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist. We will explain why.

Can You Match a Dental Crown to Porcelain Veneers?

Although it is possible to match a dental crown to porcelain veneers, only about two percent of cosmetic dentists have the skills and artistic talent to do it. Most dentists and their laboratories don’t understand how to achieve a match. Your concerns about a mismatch are valid.

What Is the Size of the Cavity of the Porcelain Veneer Tooth?

If a cavity is so large that restoring the tooth would result in losing at least 20 percent of the tooth’s structure, you might need a dental crown. Otherwise, a dentist would shave every side of your tooth to accommodate the crown. We suspect your dentist is more familiar with dental crowns than porcelain veneers and offering your treatment options on their preference.

A dentist can fill a cavity on the edge of a porcelain veneer’s tooth with dental bonding. Again, only advanced cosmetic dentists have the training and equipment to use composite filling and ensure it matches your porcelain veneers.

Can You Keep Your Porcelain Veneer Instead of Getting a Crown?

Porcelain veneer

You may be able to keep your porcelain veneer depending on the condition of your tooth. If the tooth is savable, understand that a general family dentist cannot achieve what you want. Although most family dentists claim to practice cosmetic dentistry, only a dentist with post-graduate (and ongoing) training and experience can produce beautiful work with crowns or veneers.

We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two skilled cosmetic dentists. Look for dentists with extensive cosmetic dentistry training.

Meanwhile, try to limit how often you snack during the day. Porcelain veneers can be susceptible to decay at the margin where a veneer and tooth meet. Each time you eat, you expose your teeth to bacteria-producing acid. Floss daily to clean the margin.

Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.

What Causes Jaw Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Posted on May 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Is it normal to have severe jaw numbness after wisdom teeth removal? I already contacted my oral surgeon and dentist. It will be two weeks since I got the surgery. The oral surgeon did sensation tests and asked me to return in two weeks. I notice the sensation most when I eat, chew, or brush my teeth. Because of this, I canceled my in-office teeth whitening and the beginning date for braces. Will I be stuck like this? – Thanks. Dakota

Hi, Dakota,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Delaune’s office in Metairie regarding jaw numbness after wisdom teeth removal.

What Causes Jaw Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Nerve damage causing lingering jaw numbness after wisdom teeth removal. Most surgeons evaluate the risk of nerve damage during surgery. The nerve that travels to your lower teeth, chin, and lower lip is close to the roots of your lower wisdom teeth.

Is Jaw Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal Permanent?

How long jaw numbness lasts can depend on the type of nerve damage. Below are the classifications and what to expect:

Bruising – You will feel numbness for about a month, after which the feeling will return progressively.
Crushing – You will feel numbness for a year as the nerve grows new fibers.
Severing – A severed nerve will not regrow, and the damage is permanent.

What Can You Expect?

If you have nerve damage, expect it to last at least a month. You may not feel improvement before your follow-up appointment with the oral surgeon.

As the nerve recovers, you will feel lip tingling first and gradual improvement. Meanwhile, patiently wait for the nerve to heal.

Talk to your dentist about rescheduling your teeth whitening treatment. Your orthodontist will consult with the oral surgeon to assess your recovery and when it is safe to begin treatment.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.